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FP BUSINESS

MOGULS

CONTINUED

David Craigie (1994) Svein Clouston (1997)

What is it like being a business owner attend an introduction to Psychology class in Do you have a specific learning Tell us how your business came to Did Heriot’s impact your decision to Any top tips for pupils wanting to start
in psychology? my final year, run by Cameron Wyllie (who takeaway from Heriot’s? fruition. become a business owner and if so, how? their own enterprises?
The Craigie Partnership was founded in was then an English teacher - he later I attended Heriot's between 1988 and I'm the co-founder of, and Strategy Director Heriot's taught me the value of independent My main tip is don't make the mistake of
Edinburgh, in 2004. We are a private became Principal). While I enjoyed other 1994. It was one of the best times of my life, at, Rationale, a brand and content agency. thinking and to always question things. That blindly following your passion. That sounds
practice of psychologists, therapists and subjects, I remember feeling that psychology and to this day I keep in touch with good We specialise in brand purpose which means has certainly stayed with me throughout my counterintuitive I know. However, it's
coaches. We work with individuals, charities offered something different that could friends and even teachers from my time we work with organisations who look to career and something which you can take for important to differentiate between following
and businesses to help promote well-being directly help us understand people better. It there. I found the atmosphere at Heriot's to make an impact, be that in their community, granted. I also remember once being part of your passion and doing what you're good at.
and mental health, as well as offering career began a journey of academic study, working be incredibly supportive. I always felt the society as a whole, financially, or internally an initiative which encouraged us to think If you build a business out of what you're
counselling and coaching. and training in the NHS and finally, co- teaching staff wanted the best for you, and with their employees. about running a business - my idea was a good at, you'll become passionate about
founding a business which has continued to magazine and music CD featuring the talents building it. Find what you're good at and
One of the best parts of running my business while they made sure you worked hard, they We're based in Edinburgh but also have
flourish. of the school orchestra and choir. Looking turn it into your passion, not the other way
has been without a doubt helping people were encouraging and kind with a sense of offices in London and New York. Our work
from all walks of life and meeting fascinating What are your two top achievements as humour. There was a sense of positive pride covers a wide-range of sectors including back, I remember thinking what it would be around.
people along the way. Being able to help a business owner? in the ethos of the school and I have very financial services, charities, higher education like to work for yourself and the opportunities Also, if going into business with someone
others with whatever problem they are Starting off can be daunting. It's easy to happy memories of my time there. and industrials. that could present. else, then find someone you trust and that
facing is a real joy and privilege. The doubt yourself in the early days and wonder Any top tips for pupils wanting to start My co-founder and I launched the agency in What are your two top achievements as you can work with. It sounds obvious, but it
feedback we get from clients is hugely if what you are doing is worth all the effort. their own enterprises? August 2019 after working together at a a business owner? makes all the difference. Before you jump
positive and it's a great feeling to know you It's when you get client testimonials like this It’s important to have a passion for what previous agency. We recognised there was a There's a scary statistic that 80% of into working with your best friend, chat
are making a difference in people's lives. one, that you realise you have achieved you do. The business can take shape around gap in the market for an agency to support businesses fail in their first year. We're about through things and figure out if you share
There are always challenges in running any something special: the work you want to do. It's also important organisations with articulating what it is they to celebrate our second anniversary having the same skills, drive and ambition. You want
business, especially as we have to adapt to "Life-changing isn't a strong enough phrase to recognise that we all have strengths, stood for - both externally to their audiences, also survived the pandemic AND brought on someone who complements what you do
different situations such as a global to describe my experience, I cannot thank weaknesses and things to learn. Getting but also internally to their employees. five people as well. That makes me very and who you are, rather than someone
pandemic, with all the changes this brings - the partnership enough." support from business mentors, attending Two years on we have an office on Queen proud, the fact that we're building something identical to you.
home working, home schooling, uncertainty Aside from the positive impact we've had on start-up workshops and learning as you go is Street with a team of seven people. The best sustainable, that all our employees will be And experiment. You'll make mistakes. You'd
and anxiety. As professionals that teach the our clients, we are also incredibly proud of critical. While you can't do everything on part of being a business owner is the ability able to benefit from. be inhuman not to. Don't be disheartened
importance of self-care, we make sure we the support we give to our team. There can your own, it's good to know the basics of to bring people on and offer them the I'm also proud of our culture. We wanted to by failure. What doesn't kill you makes you
practice what we preach, and we are an be a temptation in business to see staff as how everything works, be it bookkeeping or opportunity to find their specialism and grow build something where we wanted to work. stronger!
incredibly supportive and caring being resources to help achieve business web design. That way you can keep your alongside the agency. It's very fulfilling work. We have many different programmes and
team. Running your own business allows you goals. However, after having experienced finger on the pulse of what's happening. initiatives designed to support the growth of
to create the ethos and values that are this in other businesses, when I took on my But don't try to do everything alone, and ask our employees. We're a friendly, curious and
important to you. first Associates to work in our Partnership, I for help from competent professionals when fiercely loyal group and I can't wait to see
Did Heriot’s impact your decision to made a conscious decision to be practitioner you need it. Don't be afraid to adapt and where we go over the next 18-24 months.
become a business owner and if so, how? and client-focused in equal measure. When adjust, and always keep an eye on the future
Professionally, I am a Chartered you invest in the people who work with you to anticipate what might affect your
Psychologist. The business has been a and for you, you help them flourish. And business as situations change. Being flexible
vehicle to help support as many people as when the team flourishes, the quality of is key. And finally, love what you do and keep
possible, rather than being a dream in its service improves. We have created a real reminding yourself why you're doing it!
own right. Heriot's played a large part in my family feeling that is something to be very
career choice, as I remember opting to proud of. www.craigiepartnership.co.uk www.wearerationale.com